Having already been on the show once before to discuss his cult-hit Revolutionaries, John Barber returns to the Hasbro Universe Podcast to talk about his recent stories in the world of the Transformers, including the mind-blowing "The Falling" storyline, and the finale event Transformers: Unicron! What is it like for John to be bringing a 13-year saga to a close? Listen to him discuss that and more in this special interview! (Originally recorded prior to the release of Unicron #1)

Action and Adventure: The Hasbro Universe Podcast

Interview - John Barber

HE'S A BLACKSTAR! Daniel and Callum sit down to talk comics as this week's books send shockwaves through the IDW readership. First off, they catch up on the IDW Solicitations for July 2018. Then they kick off the comic talk with Rom & the Micronauts #4, followed by Lost Light #17, and building up to the comics that broke the Transformers fandom, Optimus Prime #17 and #18!  Timecodes: 0:00 - Introduction 1:51 - IDW July 2018 Solicitations 21:58 - Rom & the Micronauts #4 31:56 - Lost Light #17 43:37 - Optimus Prime #17 and #18 1:33:38 - Outroduction/Next Week's Comics Featured music: Opening - Action Man Ending Theme Ending - Blackstar by David Bowie (excerpt) (Originally recorded in April)

Episode 25 - Shocking Revelations

In this special Action and Adventure interview, Daniel sits down with former IDW Editor-in-Chief and ROM writer Chris Ryall! The two discuss Ryall's 14-year tenure at IDW, reviving the character of Rom the Space Knight, and how the Hasbro Universe has grown and developed. Then, Chris answers a few questions that came directly from our listeners! Featured Music: Opening - Rom the Space Knight Toy Fair presentation Ending - Rom the Space Knight toy commercial    

Interview - Chris Ryall

...EVENTUALLY! Daniel and Callum come back from the Afterspark to talk about the Hasbro Universe, starting things off by catching up on IDW's solicitations for both May and June! Meanwhile, at WonderCon, John Barber confirmed that Unicron will officially bring the IDW Hasbro Universe to a conclusion. In Lost Light #16, the Rod Squad are all dead! Totally! For realsies! (In unrelated news, you wanna buy a space bridge?) Then, our intrepid hosts wrap up the podcast with another segment of the Hasbro Universe: RANKED! Timecodes: 0:00 -Introduction 1:51 - IDW May 2018 Solicitations 11:40 - IDW June 2018 Solicitations 30:35 - The Hasbro Universe's End - CONFIRMED 51:52 - Lost Light #16 Discussion 1:04:37 - Hasbro Universe: RANKED 1:33:21 - Next Week's Comics 1:35:55 - Outroduction Featured Music: Opening - Action Man Ending Theme Ending - The Transformers Season 2 Opening Theme (This episode was originally recorded in March)

Episode 23 - Everybody Dies...

Daniel and Callum kick things off with a look at what could have been with Aubrey Sitterson's Patreon-exclusive scripts and outline for the unpublished issues of Scarlett's Strike Force. In the comics, the Transformers and Spectral Knights play their final gamble against Merklynn and the Darkling Lords in Transformers vs. Visionaries #4. Finally, the guys take another look at the story of Rom and Fy-Laa in the one-shot ROM: Tales of the Solstar Order, as well as speculating about the future of our favorite Wraithslayer! Timecodes: 0:00 - Introduction 01:55 - Scarlett's Strike Force #4 Script/Series Outline 20:00 - Transformers vs. Visionaries #4 Discussion 44:30 - ROM: Tales of the Solstar Order 1:13:13 - Next Week's Comics 1:14:43 - Outroduction Featured music: Opening - Action Man Ending Theme Ending - Rom the Space Knight Commercial (This episode was recorded back in April)

Episode 24 - Of Knights and Men

MICS! COMICS! ACTION AND ADVENTURE! The Hasbro Universe Podcast returns with an episode stuffed to the brim with content! First, Daniel and Callum discuss the departure of Chris Ryall from IDW Publishing after 14 years. Then they jump right into the comics talk with the Optimus Prime Annual, which tells the story of Thundercracker in Starscream: The Movie, followed by a Soundwave focused chapter of The Falling in Optimus Prime #16. Out in space, the story of the Scavengers comes to close(?) with a very... strange plan from Scorponok in Lost Light #15, while back on Cybertron, the battle between Transformers and Visionaries continues in Transformers vs. Visionaries #3. Then, Rom and the Micronauts battle the forces of Baron Karza across Microspace in Rom & the Micronauts #3. And Aubrey Sitterson's run on G.I. Joe ends on a tremendous cliffhanger in Scarlett's Strike Force #3, and our hosts speculate how said cliffhanger could be resolved. And finally, The stories of Jem and the Holograms come to a close in Jem: Dimensions #4 by focusing on the best band ever: The Misfits! Timecodes: 0:00 - Introduction 2:21 - Chris Ryall Leaves IDW 12:42 - Optimus Prime Annual Discussion 27:28 - Optimus Prime #16 Discussion 39:51 - Lost Light #15 Discussion 54:03 - Transformers vs. Visionaries #3 Discussion 1:04:47 - Rom & the Micronauts #3 Discussion 1:19:40 - Scarlett's Strike Force #3 Discussion 1:34:36 - Jem Dimensions #4 Discussion 1:47:54 - Next Week's Comics 1:49:45 - Outroduction Featured music: Opening - Action Man Ending Theme Ending - Universal Appeal (Jem and the Holograms) Note: This episode was recorded back in March.

Episode 22 - Struggling Artists

WACKY RAMBLES! Daniel and Callum kick off the show with some ramble-y news roundup. Then, they discuss the starlit wonder and spooky mysteries of Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions #3. Finally, the RANKED list grows with another entry in the ever-growing list. Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction 01:30 - James Roberts teases Lost Light/IDW Speculation 22:42 - Bumblebee Graphic Novel 25:03 - Jem Dimensions #3 Discussion 38:12 - RANKED Segment 1:11:27 - Next Week's Comics 1:12:48 - Outroduction Featured Music: Opening - Action Man Opening Theme Ending - I Can See Me a Star (from Jem and the Holograms)

Episode 21 - Relative Dimnesions

RETURN OF THE IRISHMAN! Daniel and Callum are joined by Chris McFeely to talk (well, more like rant) about comics. In the news segment, the gang discusses a preview for the upcoming Unicron event and speculate on the what said event, and its aftermath, will entail. In the comics, G.I. Joe, Intruders, and dinosaurs rampage in Scarlett's Strike Force #2. Then, the conflict intensifies in Transformers Vs. Visionaries #2. Does this issue improve on the first, or is the magic gone already? Finally, Lost Light #14 brings the return of the Scavengers and Scorponok (and perhaps even hope) to the series. Timecode: 00:00 - Introduction 02:22 - Unicron Preview/Speculation 28:12 - Scarlett's Strike Force #2 Discussion 47:52 - Transformers Vs. Visionaries #2 Discussion 1:22:05 - Lost Light #14 Discussion 1:52:18 - Outroduction Featured Music: Opening - Action Man Ending Theme Ending - G.I. Joe: Adventure Team Intruder commercial

Episode 20 - A Bad McFeeling (feat. Chris McFeely)

ACTION AND ADVENTURE RETURNS! After long break, the Hasbro Universe Podcast is back, going through the backlog of recorded episodes. Daniel and Callum kick off this episode by going over the solicitations for IDW's April 2018 releases. In the comics, darkness falls on Cybertron as Onyx Prime finally arrives in Optimus Prime #15, bringing his army of beasts with him. Then, in Lost Light #13, the Lost Light crew get at each other's nerves and bore our hosts. Lastly, in ROM & the Micronauts #2, the Space Knight journeys into the world of the Micronauts and he and Acroyear get to be Sad Armor Bros together.  (This episode was recorded January 28, 2018) Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction 02:27 - IDW April 2018 Solicitations 23:33 - Optimus Prime #15 Discussion 39:11 - Lost Light #13 Discussion 54:11 - ROM & the Micronauts #2 1:11:13 - Next Week's Comics 1:13:32 - Outroduction Featured Audio: Opening - Action Man (2000) Opening Theme Ending - Micronauts commercial #1

Episode 19 - Sad Cyborg Warrior Men

WITH MAGICAL POWERS THEY FIGHT! Daniel and Callum summon the power of the Arcana Vast this week as they talk about Transformers Vs. Visionaries #1 and the controversial ending that sent shockwaves through the fandom. Then, they follow up the new series by taking a look at what's come before in another segment of Hasbro Universe: RANKED Timecodes: 0:00 - Introduction 02:26 - Transformers Vs. Visionaries #1 Discussion 1:02:39 - Hasbro Universe: RANKED 2:08:04 - Next Week's Comics 2:09:06 - Outroduction

Episode 18 - Outside Interference

NOTHING BUT RESPECT FOR MY FIRST DELEGATE! Daniel and Callum ring in the new year by by taking about the final batch of comics for 2017! Optimus Prime #14 sets the stage for the anticipated "The Falling" story arc with old faces returning and new ones emerging. ROM & The Micronauts #1 sees the Space Knight facing down Baron Karza... or is it facing up? The Transformers: Till All Are One Annual brings Mairghread Scott's and Sara Pitre-Durocher's epic personal political thriller to a satisfying end. Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions #2 features the most epic of all battles - a karaoke battle! Also, FASHION! Scarlett's Strike Force #1 kicks off the (prematurely ended) series with a fast-paced bang that promises something great. And finally, the episode ends with a look at The Transformers: Lost Light #12, the final chapter of the Mutineers Trilogy. Is it a victory, or does it not have a leg to stand on? Timecodes: 0:00 - Introduction 1:40 - March 2018 Solicitations 20:56 - Optimus Prime #14 Discussion 33:00 - ROM/Micronauts #1 Discussion 46:48 - TAAO Annual Discussion 1:02:33 - Jem Dimensions #2 Discussion 1:10:24 - Scarlett's Strike Force #1 Discussion 1:18:27 - Lost Light #12 Discussion 1:37:37 - Next Week's Comics 1:38:47 - Outroduction

Episode 17 - Villainous Bickering

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE CAT! Daniel and Callum roll the dice on the Hasbro Universe this episode. The Chaos Bringer is coming this Free Comic Book Day in Transformers: Unicron: The Darkest Hour! What does this mean for the Universe going forward? Our intrepid hosts can only speculate. Then we hop into the comics with our sole release, Jem: Dimensions #1, featuring the Holograms playing Dungeons and Dragons and Madmartigan in a jumper. Then, the episode is closed out with the first entry of Hasbro Universe: RANKED! Timecodes: 0:00 - Introduction 1:40 - FCBD Unicron announcement 23:11 - Jem Dimensions #1 Discussion 46:52 - Hasbro Universe: RANKED 1:35:52 - Next Week's Comics 1:36:48 - Outroduction

Episode 16 - Cat in a Jumper

EXCEPT THIS SHOW! As always, Daniel and Callum are back to talk about the books they love. First, things kick off by talking about the February 2018 solicitations, as well as the pre-emptive cancellation of Scarlett's Strike Force. Also, some changes in staff at IDW lead to some speculation of the future. With the comics, Clue #6 brings the game to an end, in a most unexpected way that shows the real brilliance of this book. Everything (seriously, EVERYTHING) comes to a head on Cybertron in Optimus Prime #13 as we prepare for The Falling. Meanwhile, in Lost Light #11, Getaway's mutiny is revealed as his plans become more and more unhinged. And finally, the story of Stardrive comes to a close in ROM Vs. Transformers: Shining Armor #5. Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction 01:11 - February 2018 solicitations (and Scarlett's Strike Force cancellation) 25:25 - IDW Editorial Shifts 26:45 - Clue #6 Discussion 33:18 - Optimus Prime #13 Discussion 56:05 - Lost Light #11 Discussion 1:14:27 - Shining Armor #5 Discussion 1:32:57 - Outroduction

Episode 15 - Everything Ends

REVOLUTIONARIES RETROSPECTIVE! Daniel and Callum talk about their favorite series and their favorite characters this episode. The sole comic for this week, Transformers: First Strike, sees the final Revolutionaries story as our ragtag team fights the bounty hunter Colditz with Arcee and Mike Power/Centurion. However, not wanting to leave listeners hanging, our hosts sit down with John Barber, writer of Revolutionaries and Optimus Prime, to discuss the series, how certain characters developed, and how the revolution began in the pages of Action Man. And at the end, John answers YOUR listener questions. All this and more in this special extra-sized episode of Action and Adventure: The Hasbro Universe Podcast! Timecodes: 0:00 - Introduction 03:41 - David Mariotte Previews 13:03 - Transformers: First Strike Discussion 37:13 - Revolutionaries Retrospective w/ John Barber 1:40:37 - Listener Questions 2:18:51 - Outroduction Featured Music: Opening Theme - Action Man Ending Theme Ending Theme - Action Man Opening Theme

Episode 14 - Revolutionaries Never Die (feat. John Barber)

WHAT KIND OF AN ENDING WAS THAT? This episode, Daniel and Callum are met with intrigue and disappointment. The First Strike event draws to a close in First Strike #6. Was this ending enchanting, or did it simply leave us hungry for more? Then M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand: First Strike sets the stage for Scarlett's Strike Force. Optimus Prime #12 sees Aileron and the Colonists finding Jazz, Nick Fury, and Danny Zuko. The game of Clue is almost over as everything comes to a head in Clue #5. And Rom and the Space Knights defeat Scylla and Charybdis in ROM #14, the final solo issue of Rom's solo series. Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction 01:56 - IGN Interview w/ David Hedgecock 08:42 - First Strike #6 Discussion 45:36 - MASK First Strike Discussion 01:04:40 - Optimus Prime #12 Discussion 01:18:06 - Clue #5 Discussion 01:28:16 - ROM #14 Discussion 01:45:26 - ROM Overview 01:57:36 - Outroduction Featured Music Opening Music - Action Man Ending Theme Ending Music - Transformers: Cybertron Opening Theme

Episode 13 - Inconclusive Conclusions

From Cybertron to Microspace, the Action And Adventure Podcast covers the entire IDW Hasbro Universe! Every two weeks, we break down the latest issues of IDW Publishing's comics featuring Transformers, G.I. Joe, Rom the Space Knight, Micronauts, M.A.S.K., and more. Hosted by Daniel Adkins & Callum Tozer.

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Action and Adventure: The Hasbro Universe Podcast

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